THE redevelopment of a Herefordshire school will provide vital training opportunities for the construction industry.

A partnership between the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and Leominster’s Minster College will offer students access to a live building site.

Contractor Stepnell Ltd will operate a training environment at the school site until the project is completed in December 2010.

Managing director Mark Wakeford said the scheme would raise skill levels and promote construction careers.

“In challenging economical conditions for the industry, it is essential that employers continue to invest in skills so that we do emerge from the downturn with our competitive edge as sharp as ever,” he added.

Sharon Gray, area director for Herefordshire and Worcestershire LSC, said: “Construction employers have told us that the best way to deliver skills and training is on-site in an accessible, work-based environment.

“The Minster construction skills partnership is the model for what we hope will be a network of several such centres throughout the region, designed specifically to offer training that meets the needs of smaller employers.”

College principal Diane Blackmore said: “The staff and students are delighted to be involved in this exciting initiative.

“Leominster will certainly benefit from having a new state-of-the-art high school and the wider local community will reap even greater and longer lasting benefits.

“We believe in the value of lifelong learning and this scheme links employers, providers and learners in the shared challenge of building a sustainable modern Minster College.”